Volume 6

January - September 2014 1

RDEDigest
Official Research, Development and Extension Newsletter
of the University of the Philippines Los Baos
Volume 6
January - September 2014
IN
THIS
ISSUE:
visit the UPLB RDE Portal at http://ovcre.uplb.edu.ph
Challenges of UPLB Extension Services...
OVCRE holds UPLB CHED-PHERNet ...
OVCRE conducts its 9th Orientation...
DOST names four scientists from UPLB
UPLB takes home six NAST awards..
Two UPLB employees awarded by CSC...
UPLB holds Convocation Program...
Project SARAI--Going for Smarter...
UPLB Nanotech Program focuses on...
UPLB IBRSC focusing on advanced biofules
UPLB ISCFS conducts RTDs
UPLB names two new Hibiscus hybrids...
Tanglaw and Tanyag...
Submission of proposals now online
SyenSaya Wonderama 2014 ...
Photo News
Book on Changing Philippine Climate
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OVCRE honors extension
endeavors for public service
T
he Ofce of the Vice Chancellor
for Research and Extension held
the 1
st
Extension Conference
dubbed as ConExtS on August 18, 2014
at the Obdulia F. Sison Hall, Continuing
Education Center (CEC), UPLB. With
the theme, Transforming Knowledge
to Action, Transforming Lives the
conference highlighted the outstanding
extension services of UPLB through paper
presentations.
Tis conference served as a venue for
convening the UPLB extension service
units from the colleges to present their
best extension services. Four previously
awarded Outstanding Programs and 12
other extension programs were presented.
Dr. Romulo G. Davide, the Farmer
Scientist Training Program (FSTP) leader,
1998 Outstanding Extensionist, and
2012 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee, graced
the occasion as the keynote speaker. It
would be timely in this conference to
review our universitys extension policies
that seem to hinder and discourage
extension faculty or staf to transfer
technologies and go to the mountainous
areas where most of our people are still
among the poorest of the poor, hungry
and illiterate, he emphasized in his
speech.
Another highlight of the conference
was the selection of three most
outstanding extension papers. Tose
recognized are from the College of
Agriculture (Complementation of
CSC-IPB Extension Programs towards
Agricultural Development); College
of Forestry and Natural Resources
(Make It Makiling! Program); and the
School of Environmental Science and
Management (Co-designing Sustainable
Futures through University and Local
Government Partnerships). Vice
Chancellor for Research and Extension,
Dr. Ma. Victoria O. Espaldon; Deputy
Director for Administration of the
Southeast Asian Regional Center
for Graduate Study and Research in
Agriculture (SEARCA) Dr. Virginia
R. Cardenas; Dr. Virginia C. Cuevas
Professor from the Institute of Biological
Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences
(IBS-CAS); Prof. Emeritus Dr. Cleofas
R. Cervancia of IBS-CAS; and Assistant
Prof. Nelson G. Cainghog of the
Department of Political Science, UP
Diliman formed the evaluation team.
As UPLB develops more technologies to
meet the increasing needs of the industry
and stakeholders, transforming these
knowledge to action remains a challenge
for our extensionists and public servants.
(Lot B. Pua and Athena A. Custodio)
EXTENSIONISTS AT WORK: FSTP field trials,
partnership with LGUs, and seed production training
PHOTOS: FSTP, SESAM and IPB
DR. ROMULO G. DAVIDE: 2012 Ramon Magsaysay
awardee inspiring the UPLB extensionists during the 1
st
Extension Conference held on August 18, 2014.
PHOTO: FA CRUZ
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University of the Philippines Los Baos
Research, Development and Extension Digest
NEWS
M
ayaman na kayo! exclaimed
Professor Emeritus and Ramon
Magsaysay awardee, Dr.
Romulo G. Davide during his keynote
address for the 1st UPLB Conference on
Extension Services (ConExtS) last August
18, 2014 at the Obdulia F. Sison Hall,
Continuing Education Center (CEC),
UPLB. He was recalling a conversation
with one of the indigenous farmers of
the Corn-based Farmer-Scientist RDE
Training Program (FSTP) for Sustainable
Agricultural Development who had
significantly increased his corn and
inter-crop production after applying the
techniques learned from the program.
Extension and/or community and
public service is the act of enlightening
specific sectors of society in order for
them to work more effectively towards
the improvement of their lives and
communities. Based on the presentations
at the UPLB ConExtS, the university has
extended services and programs in the
realms of agriculture, environment and
biodiversity, human health and welfare,
policy, livelihood and industry, and
education.
Agricultural Extension
Many of the major extension programs
of the university are focused on the
agriculture sector. Ms. Simeona C.
Seminiano of the Agricultural Systems
Cluster presented the paper "FSTP: An
Empowering Sustainable Agricultural
Extension Modality for Small Farmers
towards Socio-Economic Progress". FSTP
started in 1993 and was pioneered by
Dr. Davide. Since 2008, FSTP has been
implemented as a national program of the
Department of Agriculture (DA). The
success of the program is attributed to the
evident socio-economic changes in the
lives of the participants and communities
involved in the program.
Ms. Marilyn M. Beltran of the Institute
of Plant Breeding (IPB) also presented a
paper entitled "Complementation among
CSC-IPB Extension Programs towards
Agricultural Development". IPB was
established as the national breeding center
for all crops except rice. Apart from the
production and development of different
seed and crop varieties, IPB also promotes
and disseminates the technologies
through trainings, exhibits, IEC materials,
and accommodation of visitors.
Environment and Biodiversity
Three of the papers presented focused
on collaborations and utilization of
multidisciplinary and multisectoral
approach when it comes to promoting
environmental conservation and
protection in solving environmental
issues. These papers are: Co-designing
Sustainable Futures through University
and Local Government Partnership
presented by Dr. Decibel F. Eslava of
the School and Environmental Science
and Management (SESAM); Building
Partnership through Scientific Backbone
to Local Knowledge by Professor
Emeritus Dr. Macrina T. Zafaralla of the
Institute of Biological Sciences, College
of Arts and Sciences (IBS-CAS); and
Make It Makiling! (MIM) Program by
the director of the Makiling Center for
Mountain Ecosystems (MCME), Dr.
Nathaniel C. Bantayan.
Policy
Extension programs guide many policies
at local, national, and even international
levels. Examples were presented such as
"Testing of Agricultural Machinery at
the Agricultural Machinery Testing and
Evaluation Center (AMTEC)" by Dr.
Delfin C. Suministrado of the College
of Engineering and Agro-industrial
Technology (CEAT), "Fields of Expertise
in Agricultural Science and the Demand
for Gender and Development Experts
in Academic Institutions" by Dr. Maria
Helen F. Dayo of UPLB Gender Center,
and "Partnership and Governance for
Food Security" by Dr. Merlyne M.
Paunlagui of the College of Public Affairs
and Development (CPAf) .
Industry and Livelihood
The link between the academe and the
industry does not end when developed
technology has been commercialized.
Helping people learn the necessary skills
and providing solutions to problems are
some of the extension services provided by
UPLB. The papers "Far from Ordinary:
The UPLB Bee Program" presented
by Dr. Analinda M. Fajardo of IBS,
"Institute of Cooperatives and Bio-
Enterprise Development (ICOPED)
Training Program for Cooperative
Enterprise" by Ms. Anselma M. Manila
of ICOPED, and "Promoting Techno-
Entrepreneurship and Technology
Commercialization in UPLB: The Case
Challenges of UPLB extension services and
programs: Strengthening the bridges that link
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of UPLB Agriculture, Forestry, and
Natural Resources (AFNR) Projects and
a PCIEERD-funded Project" presented
by Dr. Dinah Pura T. Depositario of
the Department of Agribusiness and
Management and Entrepreneurship-
College of Economics and Management
(DAME-CEM) showed how an extension
program can help the progress of an
industry by equipping individuals and
organizations with the right technical
know-how and entrepreneurial mindset.
Human Health and Welfare
The College of Human Ecology (CHE)
focused on human development, health
and general welfare. Ms. Lorna O. Garcia,
program leader of the Barangay Integrated
Development Approach for Nutrition
Improvement (BIDANI) presented a
paper on "Transforming Communities
through the BIDANI Network Program".
For 35 years, BIDANI has helped
hundreds of barangays in the country, not
only in improving the general nutrition
of the community, but in empowering
the LGU in planning and information
management.
On the other hand, Dr. Renato V. Torres
presented the "Elderly Development
Program" which is a research-based, care-
oriented, and elderly-focused program
aimed to provide extension, community
and public service to the senior citizens of
UPLB and Southern Luzon.
Education
Through extension services and program,
UPLB was able to bring education to
other sectors of society and teach lessons
beyond classroom education. Three
papers presented showed the different
modes used by extension initiatives.
These papers are "Child Development
Laboratory" presented by Prof. Ria D.
Sanchez of CHE; "Bringing People
Closer to Nature and Nature Closer
to the People in this Era of Rapid
Environmental Change" by the Director
of the Museum of Natural History, Dr.
Ireneo L. Lit, Jr.; and "Using Extension
Modalities in Aid of Insruction:
The Ugnayan ng Pahinungod and
Volunteerism in UPLB" presented by
Mr. Jose Limbay Lahi O. Espaldon of the
Ugnayan ng Pahinungod.
Challenges of Extension Services
In his speech, Dr. Davide noted that
although the Universitys programs
achieved some of their objectives, they
have failed to significantly transform the
lives of the poor people in the countryside
according to recent statistics. This
may be due to inevitable situation after
years of implementation--leaving the
managemenent to local government unis
without enough funds for continuity.
He also cited the lack of resources and
incentives for extension programs and
personnel as compared to instruction and
research for faculty and research staff.
However, the new UP Charter of
2008 mandates the University of the
Philippines "to lead as a public service
university by providing various forms
of community, public and volunteer
services. So, aside from instruction
and research, UPLB must also lead in
providing transformative extension
services adequate to the needs of present
times.
Dr. Davide suggested the review of the
university's extension policies that are
hindering the progress of extension
faculty and staff from transferring
knowledge and technologies to the
intended and marginalized beneficiaries.
Aside from having conducive policies and
working conditions for extension staff,
a lasting extension program should also
have a well-thought design that considers
sustainability outside the university's
management and resources. Dr. Davide
shared that in conceptualizing FSTP they
learned from the shortcomings of past
extension works. And finally, Dr. Davide
concluded that in doing extension work,
the extensionist must be willing to extend
more than his/her knowledge to create
lasting changes to people's lives.
The scientific discoveries and
technologies developed in UPLB may
have the potential to improve the lives of
people; but these potentials will only be
realized once adapted and applied in the
field. Extension services are the bridges
that link the academe to communities,
the scientist to farmers, the technology to
application, and vice versa. And when the
bridge of extension links knowledge to
action, that is the time UPLB can make
a change. (Ailene M. Florece and Regina
Mae C. Ongkiko)
UPLB BEE PROGRAM. Staff of UPLB
Program explains the proper bee management.
SNAP HYDROPONICS. Participants check
their harvest after the training.
FSTP. Participants prepare their plot before
the actual field experiment.
4
University of the Philippines Los Baos
Research, Development and Extension Digest
NEWS
T
o consolidate the outputs of
the UPLB Commission on
Higher Education-Philippine
Higher Education Research Network
(CHED-PHERNet) Program, a
conference was organized by the
Ofce of the Vice-Chancellor for
Research and Extension (OVCRE) last
15 September 2014 at the Obdulia F.
Sison Hall, UPLB, College, Laguna.
Te UPLB CHED-PHERNet
program dubbed as "Enhancing Food
Security through Synergistic Climate
in Biodiversity and Agriculture"
is comprised of 17 projects being
implemented by diferent colleges,
departments and units of UPLB. Te
programs target sites include provinces
of Laguna, Quezon, Romblon and
Batangas and some varying ecosystems
in the Mocolod Corridor, the environs
of Mt. Makiling, and Mt. Banahaw.
Nearly 100 researchers from diferent
units/colleges attended the conference
where 14 papers were presented.
A broad range of topics was presented,
covering food supply and assessment
of alternative staple crops and
livestock; efects of heat stress on
broiler and native chicken; post
harvest technologies to extend shelf
life of resilient crops, climate change
impact on crop yields; the use of
permanent biodiversity monitoring
areas to support food security and
climate change research; food products
and processing of alternative staples;
the development of online biodiversity
information systems; fsheries
climate change adaptation; tools
for climate change adaptation and
disaster risk reduction management;
mainstreaming of development
planning; planning for sustainability
of stream landscape; assessment tools
and techniques; and the establishment
OVCRE holds UPLB CHED PHERNeT
Program Conference
(L-R) EVALUATION TEAM: Dr. Hernandez, Dr. Supangco and Dr. Camacho
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of a database by the UPLB Museum of
Natural History.
Each presentation was succeeded by
an open forum to clarify important
points and recommendations, and
to gather inputs and feedback from
the participants. Graduate School
Dean Dr. Jose V. Camacho, Jr.,
UPLB CTTE Director Dr. Enrico
P. Supangco, Crop Science Cluster
Director Dr. Jose E. Hernandez
and Mr. Florante A. Cruz served as
members of the evaluation team. (Lot
B. Pua and Ruth M. Almario)
DR. DAMASA R. MAGCALE -MACANDOG
MS. RUTH M. ALMARIO, one of the
coordinators of UPLB CHED-PHERNeT
Volume 6
January - September 2014 5
NEWS
T
he Project Development,
Monitoring and Evaluation
Section of the Ofce of
the Vice Chancellor for Research
and Extension (PDMES-OVCRE)
conducted the 9
th
Orientation
Workshop on R&D Project
Implementation and Management
last May 06-07, 2014 at the OVCRE
Main Conference Hall, UPLB.
Te orientation/workshop is
conducted annually for young and
new researchers and faculty of the
University and aims to acquaint them
on how to manage R&D projects
efectively and efciently.
Twenty-one REPS and faculty from
the diferent colleges of the University
participated in the said activity.
Majority of the participants came
from the College of Arts and Sciences
(CAS) and the College of Engineering
and Agro-Industrial Technology
(CEAT).
Te frst day of the orientation/
workshop focused on the policies
and guidelines regarding project
implementation in the University
as well as guidelines on intellectual
property rights and publication.
Vice Chancellor for Research and
Extension, Dr. Ma. Victoria O.
Espaldon gave an overview of research
and extension at UPLB. Ms. Ruth M.
Almario of PDMES-OVCRE talked
about research proposal development
and processing/implementation,
monitoring and evaluation.
Meanwhile, Mr. Elias B. Abao, Jr. and
Ms. Angelica Mae R. de Juras of the
UPLB Center for Technology Transfer
and Entrepreneurship (CTTE)
discussed the topic Intellectual
Property Rights in R&D and
Technology Commercialization.
Professor Emeritus Dr. Cleofas R.
Cervancia talked about "Etiquette in
Extension" while Professor Emeritus
Dr. Evelyn Mae T. Mendoza discussed
the topics Writing Publishable
Articles and Ethics in Research.
Te second day of the orientation/
workshop concentrated on the
administrative aspect of project
management. Ms. Cristina L.
Eusebio of the Supply and Property
Management Ofce (SPMO) and Ms.
Joan E. Mendoza, Chief Accountant
discussed the topics Procurement
System/Bids and Awards and
Financial Management respectively.
An open forum followed after each
topic where the participants actively
asked questions to the workshop
resource persons. (Maricris Cecilio)
OVCRE conducts its 9th Orientaton Workshop on
"R&D Project Implementaton and Management"
DR. PABLITO MAGDALITA clarifes an important issue regarding project management and implementation.
PROF. EMERITUS CLEOFAS R. CERVANCIA
talks on etiquette in extension during the frst
day of the orientation workshop.
PROF. EMERITUS DR. EVELYN MAE
MENDOZA presents a topic on writing
publishable articles during the workshop.
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University of the Philippines Los Baos
Research, Development and Extension Digest
F
our researchers from the
University of the Philippines Los
Baos were conferred the rank
of Scientist under the DOST Scientifc
Career System (SCS) last June 30 at
Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, Libis,
Quezon City. Named Scientist I were
Dr. Nelly S. Aggangan, Dr. Edwin P.
Alcantara, Dr. Cristina M. Bajet, and
Dr. Susan May F. Calumpang.

Dr. Nelly S. Aggangan of BIOTECH
was named Scientist I for Forest
Biotechnology and Plant Nutrition.
Dr. Aggangan contributed signifcantly
to researches on mycorrhizal fungi as
an alternative to chemical fertilizers for
reforestation species; development and
commercialization of MYKOVAM. She
was involved in the formulation and
implementation of research programs
on bioremediation of mining-degraded
areas in the country.
Another researcher from BIOTECH,
Dr. Edwin P. Alcantara, was conferred
Scientist I for Entomology. Alcantara
was cited for contributing signifcantly
to the implementation of a proactive
approach to insect resistance
management for transgenic maize in
the Philippines. He also facilitated
science-based decision-making by the
concerned government agency through
his research on secondary ecological
efects of transgenic maize.
Two researchers from the CA-CPC
were also given the rank of Scientist
I, Dr. Cristina M. Bajet, for Pesticide
Chemistry, and Dr. Susan May F.
Calumpang for Chemical Ecology
and Pesticide Management. Dr.
Bajet contributed signifcantly to the
understanding and risk management
of pesticide residues in food and the
environment. She collaborated on
the development of an enzymatic
bioremediation technology
on horticultural crops and the
identifcation of common household
practices for reducing pesticide
residues. Dr. Bajet also measured
organic contaminants in tributaries
of Manila Bay and the toxicity of
pesticides used in the Pagsanjan-
Lumban watershed on aquatic
organisms for hazard assessment.
Dr. Calumpang meanwhile contributed
signifcantly in identifying concerns in
agricultural use of pesticides and risk
management measures to mitigate risk
for consumers, farmers and applicators.
She provided pesticide risk managers
with tools for risk management and
communication. Dr. Calumpang
also produced a manual on Good
Agricultural Practices and Philippine
National Standards for mango and
identifed insect repellents emitted
by plants used by the farmers for pest
management and chemical ecology
basis for intercropping.

Five researchers from the Department
of Agriculture, one from UP Visayas
and another from the National
Museum of the Philippines were also
included in the roster of new scientists
conferred under SCS.

Te Scientifc Career System is a system
of recruitment, career progression,
recognition and reward of scientists
in the public service as a means of
developing a pool of highly qualifed
and productive scientifc personnel.
Under Republic Act 8439, scientists
conferred under SCS will be entitled
to automatic increase in salary grade
depending on the rank, benefts
and entitlements. (Regina Mae C.
Ongkiko with information from the SCS
brochure)

DOST names four more
Scientsts from UPLB
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Volume 6
January - September 2014 7
NEWS
T
he University of the Philippines
Los Baos received six
prestigious awards during
the 36
th
Annual Scientifc Meeting
of the National Academy of Science
and Technology (NAST) last July
9-10, 2014 held at the Summit Hall,
Philippine International Convention
Center (PICC), Pasay City.
Dr. Rommel C. Sulabo was adjudged
as one of the Outstanding Young
Scientists in recognition of his
signifcant contributions in the feld of
Animal Science, and for his role in the
improving the quality and quantity of
production of these food animals.
He is also an efective trainer, research
speaker and consultant, as well as a
member of the Technical Advisory
Group on Animal Feed Safety and
Control of the Department of
Agriculture.
Te NAST Environmental Science
Award (NESA) was awarded to Dr.
Damasa Magcale-Macandog, Professor
and UP Scientist II from the Institute of
Biological Sciences, College of Arts and
Sciences.
She was recognized for her exemplary
research program which addressed the
environmental issues and problems
of the Laguna Lake ecosystem,
particularly its degraded watershed. Her
multidimensional and multidisciplinary
research program generated sustainable
watershed rehabilitation strategies
and other measures useful to national
policymakers and concerned local
government units for the improvement
of Laguna Lake watershed, environment
quality, food security, and human health
in the afected areas.
Tese were made by analysing the
pattern and degree of the severity of
environmental degradation, its drivers
and impacts on food security and
human health.
A book entitled DNA Barcoding
Livestock and Poultry Breeds and
Strains: Going Beyond Taxonomic
Classifcations (published by the
Philippine Agriculture and Fisheries
Biotechnology Program-Department
of Agriculture and UPLB) by Dr.
Orville L. Bondoc was awarded as the
Outstanding Book.
Tis year's Outstanding Scientifc Papers
winners include: Dr. Edwin P. Alcantara
for his paper entitled Tier I testing of
Cry1Ab protein on Micraspis discolour
(Fab.) (Coleoptera: Coccinecellidae)
and evaluation of its functional response
to diferent prey types; Dr. Michelle
Grace V. Paraso and Dr. Severino S.
Capitan for their paper Vitellogenin
induction and gonad abnormalities in
male common carp (Cyprinus carpio
Linnaeus) introduced to Laguna De
Bay, Philippines; and Dr. Maria Ana
T. Quimbo, Dr. Linda M. Pealba,
and Dr. Merlyn M. Paunlagui for their
paper entitled Spill-over efects of
rural industrialization on community
transformation received the awards.
(Regina Mae C. Ongkiko)
UPLB takes home six awards during the NAST
36th Annual Scientfc Meetng
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(L-R) DR. ROMMEL C. SULABO, DR. DAMASA MAGCALE-MACANDOG, DR. ORVILLE L. BONDOC AND DR. MICHELLE GRACE V. PARASO
DR. EDWIN P. ALCANTARA
DR. MARIA ANA T. QUIMBO AND
DR. MERLYN M. PAUNLAGUI
8
University of the Philippines Los Baos
Research, Development and Extension Digest
NEWS
Two UPLB employees chosen as
CSCs 2014 Outstanding Public
Ofcials and Employees
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Te awards will be bestowed by no less
than the President of the Republic of
the Philippines in the formal awarding
ceremony at the Malacaang Palace.
CSC, through its Honor Awards
Program (HAP), advocates the
promotion of culture of excellence and
recognition of women and men for
outstanding performance, contribution
and superior accomplishments or for
consistent manifestation of exemplary
ethical behavior in public service. Te
T
wo UPLB employees were
chosen by the Civil Service
Commission (CSC) as
recepient of the 2014 Outstanding
Public Ofcials and Employees
awards. Melencio J. Maghanoy of the
Agricultural Systems Cluster, College
of Agriculture is this years Dangal ng
Bayan Awardee while Ariel R. Larona
of UPLB Museum of Natural History
is the Pagasa Awardee.
Te Dangal ng Bayan Award is
conferred on an individual for
performance of an extraordinary
act or public service and consistent
demonstration of exemplary ethical
behavior on the basis of his/her
observance of the eight norms of
behavior under Republic Act No.
6713Code of Conduct and Ethical
Standards for Public Ofcials and
Employees.
Te Pagasa Award is given to an
individual or group of individuals for
outstanding contributions that directly
beneft more than one department of
the government.
HAP also aims to motivate ofcials to
perform well and encourage deeper
involvement in public service.
Melencio J. MaghanoyDangal ng
Bayan Awardee
Maghanoy demonstrated exemplary
conduct and ethical behavior as
manifested in his 10 years of dedicated
service in various countryside
programs. He traveled extensively
in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to
extend technical services to improve
the living conditions of our farmers
especially the poor in the upland
communities. In his 10 years of
extension services up to the last three
years of involvement with the Farmer-
Scientist Training Program (FSTP),
Mr. Maghanoy was tasked to serve in
all 13 regions of the Philippines.
He has a heart for public service; he
even spent his own money to cover
traveling expenses and was really
committed to fulfll his tasks without
reservation and hesitation, says Ms.
Wilma S. Velasco, his FSTP co-worker.
"Sincere, loyal, patient and dedicated
are among the qualities Maghanoy
(L-R) Melecio J. Maghanoy, Dr. Romulo G. Davide, Dr. Domingo Angeles, Ariel R. Larona,
Dr. Ireneo Lit, Jr. and Dr. Ma. Victoria O. Espaldon during the Semi-Final Awarding Ceremony
MAGHANOY receives a plaque of appreciation during
Regional Semi-final Awarding Ceremony.
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January - September 2014 9
NEWS
possessed to deliver integrity in public
service. He really deserves to be one
2014 Dangal ng Bayan Awardees!," she
added.
Maghanoy has been also a recipient
of other awards, including the
2014 UPLB Outstanding Extension
Personnel, 2014 CA Outstanding
Extension Personnel, 2006 Presidential
Lingkod Bayan Award - CSC (FSTP
Team Member), 2006 Outstanding
Extension Program of the College
of Agriculture, UPLB (FSTP
Team Member), 2006 UPLB Most
Outstanding Extension Program (FSTP
Team Member), 2006 Outstanding
Extension Program of the College of
Agriculture, UPLB, and 2000 UPLB
Outstanding Extension Personnel
Service Award.
Ariel R. LaronaPagasa Awardee
For 27 years now, Larona has
consistently served the university
with dedication, commitment and
initiative. As a Museum Technician
I at the UPLB MNH, he created a
cataloguing and databasing system,
and initiated the photo documentation
of the Forestry Herbarium. He
also introduced cheaper and safer
preservation techniques for the
prevention of damage to priceless
collections.
Aside from his main task, he also
spearheaded the renovation of the
Forestry Herbarium, and provided
assistance in several research and
extension activities. Trough his
artistic ideas, he was able to introduce
innovations for the MNH Biodiversity
Exhibits which then saved huge
amount of money.
Larona is also a recipient of the
following awards: Natatanging Artist
Illustrator, 2011 UPLB Outstanding
Extension Program (as team member),
and 2014 UPLB Outstanding
Administrative Personnel.(Lot B. Pua
with information from FSTP and UPLB
MNH)
LARONA with Dr. Lit and family during the
Regional Semi-final Awarding Ceremony.
DR. ROMULO G. DAVIDE WITH DEAN
DOMINGO E. ANGELES
CHAIRMAN FRANCISCO T. DUQUE III of the
Civil Service Commission during the ceremony
PROCESSIONAL PARADE before the
awarding ceremony at the CSC Regional Office
MAGHANOY delivers an inspirational
message during the awarding ceremony.
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University of the Philippines Los Baos
Research, Development and Extension Digest
UPLB holds Convocaton Program for
2014 UPLB Outstanding Personnel Awards
F
ifteen individuals were
named 2014 Outstanding
UPLB personnel during the
Convocation Program of UPLBs
two-day Science and Technology
Exhibit and Forum held at the SMX
Convention Center, Mall of Asia
Complex, Pasay City on March 5-6,
2014.
In research and extension, fve
researchers, one extensionist and one
extension program were awarded.
Te awardees are: (1) Prof. Rex B.
Demafelis (Department of Chemical
Engineering, College of Engineering
and Agro-Industrial Technology)
Outstanding Researcher for Senior
Faculty - Natural Sciences; (2) Dr.
Pompe S. Sta. Cruz (Crop Science
Cluster, College of Agriculture)
Outstanding Researcher for Senior
Faculty - Natural Sciences; (3)
Dr. Agnes C. Rola (Institute for
Governance and Rural Development,
College of Public Afairs and
Development) Outstanding
Researcher for Senior Faculty-Social
Sciences; (4) Jennifer D. Saguibo
(REPS) Outstanding Junior
Researcher; (5) Mark Rickard N.
Angelia (Faculty) Outstanding
Junior Researcher for Natural
Sciences; (6) Melecio J. Maghanoy
(Agricultural Systems Cluster, College
of Agriculture) Outstanding
Extension Personnel; and (7)
Agricultural Machinery Testing
and Evaluation Center- CEAT
Outstanding Extension Program
Award.
Prof. Demafelis has been in the
forefront in the development and
advancement of the Philippine
biofuels industry, production of
second and third generation biofuels
from Jatropha, microalgae and
macroalgae. He has spearheaded the
commercial ethanol production
from sweet sorghum, the frst in the
ASEAN region.
Dr. Sta. Cruz was recognized for his
vast experience in research, technology
promotion, project development and
management, instruction and training.
He has been actively involved in
several researches, such as nutrient-
pest interaction research across South
Rice Research Consortium (IRRC)
sites, operational protocols for the
International Long-Term Fertility
Trials and crop establishment,
fertilizer management and integrated
nutrient management.
NEWS
PHOTOS: LB PUA
JESSICA SOJO delivers the inspiration
message during the Convocation Program.
Dr. Rola was recognized for
her outstanding scientifc
accomplishments in the feld of
agricultural economics and policy,
in the development of a framework
and estimating for the externalities
surrounding agricultural production.
Ms. Saguibo contributed signifcantly
in the feld of food biotechnology,
specifcally on the resistance of
local probiotic lactic acid bacteria
to inhibitory substances in extracts
of edible and medicinal plants that
resulted in the development of
plant-based probiotic nutraceutical
Volume 6
January - September 2014 11
NEWS
products. She was also involed in the
validation of BIOTECH-developed
Salmonella DAS kit
TM
, development
of high-value products from coconut
and mango industry by-products and
protein-enrichment of agro-industrial
by-products for use in animal feeds.
Mr. Angelia was recognized for
his engagement in research on
purifcation and characterization
of bioactive peptides from locally
available vegetables. Tis led to
the identifcation and maximum
utilization of local biodiversity
with bioactive peptides possessing
ACE-inhibiting (anti-hypertensive)
properties.
Mr. Maghanoy was awarded for his 25
years of dedicated service in various
countryside action programs of the
College of Agriculture. He was able
to reach out and provide technical
support services to marginalized
farmers in upland communities in
Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Te Agricultural Machinery Testing
and Evaluation Center (AMTEC) was
recognized for its solid commitment
to serve the Philippine agriculture
industry through the development and
publication of standards and catalogs.
AMTECH tested agricultural and
fshery machinery in order to resolve
design issues among professionals, and
in producing and distributing safe and
reliable machinery.
Other awardees for the administrative
personnel are: Jose. S. Duya, Ariel R.
Larona and Teodulfo S. Delgado.
From the faculty, Jickerson P. Lado,
Dr. Renato V. Torres, Adrian Augusto
M. Sumalde, Roderick L. Catriz,
Joyce A. Ocampo-Dayao and Dennis
Andrew S. Aguinaldo also received
outstanding awards.
Te Convocation Program is
UPLBs annual event, which is held
in celebration of the Universitys
Foundation Day. Tis years event
was graced by Ms. Jessica Soho,
who through her keynote speech,
encouraged all staf and researchers
to continuously serve with excellence
in their respective felds of expertise.
(Lot B. Pua) CHANCELLOR REX VICTOR O. CRUZ attends
the awarding ceremony.
VICE CHANCELLOR ESPALDON delivers the
closing remarks during the awarding ceremony.
PHOTOS: LB PUA
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University of the Philippines Los Baos
Research, Development and Extension Digest
NEWS
Project SARAI Going for Smarter Agriculture
amidst the changing Philippine climate
G
oing for smarter agriculture
Te agriculture sector is
one of the most vulnerable
sectors in terms of the efects of
climate change. Any sudden or gradual
increase or decrease in temperature
can afect the whole farming system
of certain crops grown in the country.
It is imperative these days that we put
more efort to make the agriculture
sector more risk-resilient and more
sustainable.
As a response to the challenge, the
Philippine Council for Agriculture,
Aquatic and Natural Resources
Research and Development (DOST-
PCAARRD) together with the
University of the Philippines Los
Baos (UPLB), has launched and
pioneered a three-year project
geared towards a smarter and more
risk-resilient agriculture sector. Te
project entitled "Smarter Approaches
to Reinvigorate Agriculture as an
Industry in the Philippines" (Project
SARAI) aims to recommend science-
based cropping system technologies,
protocols, crop advisories and
forecasting, and long-term strategies
geared towards maximizing crop yield
and minimizing adverse environmental
and climate impacts on six priority
crops: rice, corn, banana, coconut,
cofee and cacao.
Te diferent teams for each crop
commodity have already started
feld experiments in the diferent
project sites. Te results of the feld
experiments, together with the
pool of agro-climatic and soils data
from the Philippine Atmospheric,
Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA), Bureau
of Soils and Water Management
(BSWM) and other agencies, will
enable the technical team to generate
new cropping calendar and integrated
crop management (ICM) systems
for rice and corn. Te new cropping
calendars will provide farmers a new
outlook on the best schedule for
planting to increase their yields.
In order to deliver the pool of
scientifc information across diferent
participants and audiences, a Project
component is focusing on developing
the online portal for Project SARAI.
Te online platform will serve as
the online database and hub of all
the necessary information on the six
priority crops. To couple these eforts,
the project has tapped SMART
Communications Inc., to bring
information from the scientists to the
farmers and other subscribers through
SMS. In doing so, the project hopes
to double the reach of the people who
can better beneft from the study;
especially those areas which may not
have a steady internet connection.
SMART has responded favorably by
giving Project SARAI PhP 100,000
worth of free SMS per month.
Another component of Project SARAI
involves knowledge and capacity
building for the diferent stakeholders.
Last July, the Project conducted an
orientation seminar for cacao farming
and a training on postharvest for
small-land owners in Panay Island. In
addition, the project, in partnership
with a non-proft organization, also
held the frst ever training on pest and
diseases management for rice for a
group of farmers in Catarman, Samar.
Alongside these eforts, the project also
conducted training with the partner
institutions to better equip them in
using the technologies.
Project SARAI is headed by the
Ofce of the Vice-Chancellor for
Research and Extension (OVCRE).
Te participating colleges are the
College of Agriculture (CA), College
of Arts and Sciences (CAS), College
of Engineering and Agro-Industrial
Technology (CEAT); and the School
of Environmental Science and
Management (SESAM). (Heidi D.
Mendoza)
PHOTO: POL VELUZ
Volume 6
January - September 2014 13
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N
anotechnology is the ability
to produce and manipulate
nanoscale materials which
can be as small as 100 nm in at least
one dimension. Recent researches
have reported that it can be applied
to diferent felds. Te UPLB
Nanotechnology Program which
was established in 2009 has focused
on applications in agriculture, forest
products, food and food packaging.
Last July 24-28 2014, during the
National Science and Technology
Week, the Philippine Council for
Industry, Energy and Emerging
Technologies Research and
Development-Department of Science
and Technology (PCIEERD-DOST)
declared nanotechnology as one of
its priority R & D areas. PCIEERD
also featured the program and its
Instrumentation and Analytical
Laboratory as one of the funded
research programs.
Currently, there are diferent
nanotechnology-based products
being developed through the fnancial
support from PCIEERD-DOST. Some
of these products are: edible coatings
to help extend the shelf-life of fruits
and vegetables, nano-sensors to detect
various contaminants like the viruses of
abaca and banana, nano-silica from rice
hull and ashes of rice hull used to flter
water contaminated with arsenic, and
silicon nano-fertilizer for tomatoes.
Other products are also being
developed through the funding
Department of Agriculture-Bureau of
Agricultural Research (DA-BAR) from
the Smart-Functional Biomaterials
Laboratory of Dr. Evelyn Rodriguez
at the Institute of Chemistry. Tese
products include extended-release
mosquito repellent products from
plant essential oils as well as nano-
and micro-encapsulated antioxidants
and anti-microbial agents from
fruits, grains and vegetables for
longer storage life and bioavailability.
Interested industry partners are eyeing
many of these products for potential
commercialization. Te publications
have come out as a result of this
research program and at least one
patent is pending.
Te program has also purchased
crucial equipment such as atomic force
microscope, particle size analyzer,
BET analyzer, ICP-AES, X-Ray
difractometer, spectrofuorimeter,
diferential scanning calorimeter, an
HPLC with DAD, a potentiostat for
voltammetry research, fuorescence
microscope nanospray drier, and a twin
screw extruder. Clients could avail of
these equipment with a corresponding
fee.
Tere is much to look forward to.
Chancellor Rex Victor O. Cruz has
approved the renovation of the IC
Instrumentation and Laboratory
for proper housing of equipment to
ensure optimal performance. Aside
from that, the procurement phase
for the executive design of the UPLB
Nanotechnoloy Center Building is
already underway.
Te program is also gearing up for
bench-scale production of seven of its
most commercially viable products in
2015. In addition, a two-year project
headed by Dr. Susan Calumpang
with Dr. Milagros M. Peralta as co-
project leader has just been approved
under the SAFEHarvestS program of
DOST for implementation in October
2014. Tis project aims to develop a
difraction-based sensor for the rapid,
on-site detection of organophosphate
residues in fruits and vegetables.
A gas chromatograph with mass
spectrometer detector will be acquired
under the project and will be housed
at the Nanotech Instrumentation and
Analytical Laboratory.
Indeed in so short a time,
nanotechnology research has come
a long way in UPLB. (Milagros M.
Peralta)
The UPLB Nanotech Program partcipates in the National Science and Technology Week exhibition
held on July 24-28, 2014 at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasig City.
UPLB Nanotech Program focuses
on product development
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University of the Philippines Los Baos
Research, Development and Extension Digest
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T
he University of the Philippines
Los Baos Interdisciplinary
Biofuels Research Studies Center
(UPLB-IBRSC) spearheaded by the
Department of Chemical Engineering,
College of Engineering and Agro-
industrial Technology (CEAT) launched
two fagship research and development
programs on advance biofuels biojet
and biogasoline.
Trough the Department of Science
and Technology - Philippine Council
for Industry Energy and Emerging
Technology Research and Development
(DOST-PCIEERD) and the
Department of Agriculture Bureau
of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR),
studies on biojet fuel production from
coconut oil and biogasoline production
from agricultural wastes are now being
implemented. Tese projects concur
with the biomass roadmap of both
agencies, focusing on the utilization of
abundant and available biomass sources
to replace petroleum-derived energy.
Te Center has also successfully
hosted two consecutive seminars last
June 2014. Dr. Teodoro Mendoza,
a Professor of Crop Science at the
College of Agriculture, UPLB talked
about the Carbon Footprint in
Ethanol Production from Sugarcane
(Agronomic Aspect). Dr. Sergio
Capareda, a Balik-Scientist and an
Associate Professor at the Department of
Biological and Agricultural Engineering
Texas A&M University discussed on
the Development of Comprehensive
Biomass Termal Conversion Research.
To be duly recognized as a national
center for interdisciplinary biofuels
research, UPLB-IBRSC is focusing
on the development of sustainable
feedstock production and utilization,
generation of advanced processing
technologies, hastening alternative
feedstock commercialization and leading
policy formulation and improvement.
(Liza Stephanie H. Dizon)
T
he University of the Philippines
Los Baos Interdisciplinary
Studies Center on Food Security
( UPLB-ISCFS) seeks to promote
food and nutrition security through
research, instruction and extension. It
also aims to generate knowledge and
technology; mainstream food security
in curricular programs in UPLB and
higher education institutions (HEIs);
formulate policies and information that
promote food security; and strengthen
food security programs through broad
participation of stakeholders.
Te Center conducted its frst round-
table discussion (RTD) on 18 August
2014 at the Food and Nutrition
Research Institute (FNRI), Department
of Science and Technology (DOST)
Compound, Taguig City. It consisted
of presentations, panel discussions and
open fora revolving around the topics
Methodologies in Assessing Food
Security, Assessment of Food and
Nutrition Security during Emergencies,
and Use of Integrated Phase
Classifcation of Food and Nutrition
Security on the Local level.
Te second RTD in colllaboration with
the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI)
was conducted last September 26,
2014 at the ConferenceRoom of the
National Seed Quality Control Services
(NSQCS) in Visayas Avenue, Diliman,
Quezon City. Te participants discussed
four topics, namely: Overview of Food
and Nutrition Security Concepts,
Production Imperatives for the Staples
and Fruits and Vegetables Sub-sector,
Production Imperatives for the
Livestock Subsector, and Production
Imperatives for the Fisheries Sub-sector.
Participants from diferent sectors
engaged in a lively open forum as
they identifed gaps and discussed
recommendations for further research.
Tere will be four more RDTs to
be conducted which shall focus on
processing and post-harvest, initiatives
of the Philippines to increase food
production, government programs
which can help increase production
per unit area and the associated
environmental, social and technical
issues.
Te output from these RTDs will be
presented during a proposed National
Food Security Symposium on March
2015. (Ma.Virginia B.Camarinta)
UPLB ISCFS conducts roundtable discussions
UPLB IBRSC launches advanced biofuel programs
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W
omen are often compared
to fowers because of their
beauty and the power they
behold. Like fowers, women have also
proven their impact in various felds,
and the University of the Philippines Los
Baos is no stranger when it comes to
recognizing these eforts.
Te Hibiscus breeding program at the
Institute of Plant Breeding (IPB), Crop
Science Cluster, College of Agriculture
(CSC-CA), UPLB, is known for
developing new hybrids of gumamela
and for naming them after women
who have created marks in the hearts
of many Filipinos. Even though there
are thousands of hibiscus hybrids whose
parents are either local or international
varieties, only a handful have been
chosen to be named after heroines,
female national scientists, academicians,
actresses, beauty queens, national artists,
saints, and prominent public servants.
Last August 28, 2014 at UP Diliman,
two more remarkable women were
honoured by UPLB. Two new Hibiscus
hybrids were named after them.
Hibiscus hybrid Pia Cayetano has
fuschia purple petals and a dark purple
eye. Dr. Pablito M. Magdalita, the leader
of the hibiscus program said that these
features symbolize her grace, intelligence
and strong dedication to serve the public
especially when it comes to uplifting
the welfare of women and children,
protecting the environment, and
promoting a healthy lifestyle. Te hybrid
plants tall stature and vigorous growth
is similar to Cayetanos physical traits
tall with a strong and athletic built.
Te hybrids prolifcacy to fower is like
the way how she continuously receives
awards and recognitions both from our
country and abroad. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Pia Cayetano is the latest addition to
the Women in Public Service Series.
UPLB also launched the Women in
Education Series to symbolize the
beginning of the K-12 in Philippine
education. Patricia B. Licuanan, the
chairman of CHED is the frst to be
honoured in this series. Te hybrid has
red-purple petals, a very strong ruby
eye and a dark gray halo. According
to Dr. Magdalita, this symbolizes
her extraordinary leadership as well
as her commitment to rationalizing
the Philippine higher education and
improving its standards in order to widen
the access of countrymen to quality
education. Te hybrid is also froliferous
and this represents her efciency as a
social psychologist and educator. She has
roles in a wide range of organizations
like the Psychological Association of the
Philippines, Philippine Social Science
Council, and the UNESCO Education
Committee.
Te two women were not the only
ones honoured, but the team that was
responsible for creating the two hybrids
were also recognized. Assisting Dr.
Pablito M. Maghanoy are Laboratory
Technician II Maria Fe H. Cayaban,
Farm Worker II Marcelino T. Gregorio,
and Plant Propagator Jessie V. Silverio.
UP President Alfredo E. Pascual said that
aside from the symbolic memento of the
Universitys gratitude for the service of
Cayetano and Licuanan, the two new
gumamela hybrids also showcase the
brilliance of UPLB scientists.
So every time these two new varieties
blossom, we will be reminded of the
depth and impact of the contributions
of the two women the hybrids were
named after. Teir beauty as well as their
continuous service to the country will
forever be etched in our hearts. (Regina
Mae C. Ongkiko with information from
Dr. Pablito M. Magdalita)
UPLB names two more new
Hibiscus hybrids
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CAYETANO is the latest addition to the
"Women in Public Service Series."
LICUANAN symbolizes the beginning of K-12
curriculum in the Philippine education.
PHOTO: RC ONGKIKO
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University of the Philippines Los Baos
Research, Development and Extension Digest
NEWS
O
nce again, UPLB amazes us
with breakthroughsthis
time, in the form of eggplants.
For Filipinos, the eggplant is one of the
most important and popular vegetables
grown in the country because it is
proftable and it can provide a ready
source of income for farmers. In fact,
eggplant production is highest among
leading vegetable crops.
Due to increasing demand for higher
productivity, hybrid varieties or F1
dominate the market while traditional
and improved open-pollinated varieties
(OPVs) are the ones being planted for
backyard eggplant production. An F1
is the result of crossing two genetically
distinct and uniform parent lines chosen
for their desired characteristics. Hybrids
usually produce higher yield compared
to those traditionally grown.
In UPLB, the Crop Science Cluster-
Institute of Plant Breeding has an active
eggplant breeding program focusing
on the development of higher yielding
OPVs. Improved OPVs such as Mara,
Mistisa, and Mamburao have
already been released.
In the past, eggplant hybrid breeding
has been pursued. Tis led to the
commercial cultivation of Tanglaw
and Tanyag, which have both been
approved by the National Seed Industry
Council (NSIC).
Both hybrid fruits are purple and range
from being slightly curved round to
slightly protrude. Glossiness ranges from
intermediate to strong. Tey fower
earlier and have more fruits per kilogram
compared to those traditionally grown.
Tey can be harvested starting 67-70
days after transplanting with a potential
yield of up to 7.5-9.3 tons per hectare
during the dry season and 12.7-13.6
tons per hectare during the wet season,
surpassing the commercial hybrid
check variety. Tanglaw and Tanyag also
expressed moderate resistance against
sucking arthropod pests.
Te availability of hybrids such as
these two from UPLB could provide
eggplant farmers with a wider selection
of good seeds at more afordable prices.
Additional testing in other areas in
Visayas and Mindanao could further
expand the benefts to more farmers.
Tanglaw in Tagalog pertains to light,
and Tanyag means prominent. As
both names suggest, their potential
has surpassed those of other hybrids
and have paved the way for farmers to
beneft more. (Regina Mae C. Ongkiko
with information from Eggplant
Production Guide)
R
ecognizing the need for
streamlining and improvement
of various processes, the Ofce
of the Vice-Chancellor for Research
and Extension (OVCRE) is now
implementing Phase I of an online
Document Management System
(DMS).
Te web application for the DMS
was launched last September 4, 2014
hosted by the UPLB Intranet for local
testing.
Te system basically automates and
fool-proofs the submission of various
forms to minimize the delays acquired
by frequent returning of documents
due to errors or unsatisfed felds.
During the system testing, proponents
under the Basic Research Program
were invited to submit their proposals
using the site and then were asked for
their feedback.
DMS is the output of a fve-month
study entitled Streamlining and
Improvement of the UPLB-OVCRE
Processes through Value Analysis
conducted by the Industrial
Engineering Department of the
College of Engineering and Agro-
Industrial Technology (IED-CEAT).
Te study was led by Prof. Haerold
Dean Z. Layaoen. (Maricris C. Cecilio
and Ma. Tricia Borile)
Te main feature of DMS allows the
users to submit data by flling out the
diferent felds. Te forms can then be
saved for further editing or submitted.
If submitted, its printable form will
be received in advance by the OVCRE
personnel-in-charge.
Phase I focuses on the automation
of the submission of basic research
proposals and various forms of requests
like project extension and change of
leadership among others. Te interface
caters to the administrator, proponent
and OVCRE personnel user while
Phase II will include the applied
research proposals and reports as well
as the internal ofce documents and
will cater the evaluator and funding
agency users.
Tanglaw and Tanyag: new UPLB eggplant hybrids
Submission of proposals now online
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January - September 2014 17
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L
earning science has always been
fun and exciting. Tis was
again evident in the faces of
thousands of students who gathered at
the SyenSaya 2014 Wonderama Exhibit
from September 10-12 at the E.B.
Copeland Gymnasium, University of
the Philippines Los Baos.
During the SyenSaya the Los Baos
Science Festival UPLB showcased
18 newly formed interdisciplinary
studies centers and the colleges by
presenting them in four clusters
agriculture, environment, technology
and development. Te participant
exhibitors created interactive exhibits
so that visitors would easily appreciate
UPLB-developed technologies and
understand the role of science in their
everyday lives.
Te agriculture cluster highlighted four
programs/centers on food security,
organic agriculture, rice varietal
improvement, and bee research and
development. Other units prepared
interactive activities, displayed actual
products and live specimens of friendly
insects, and constructed veggie photo
booths. One exhibit that caught the
attention of many students was the
nectar collecting game. In this game,
students transferred water from a 3D
plastic fower to a mock hive structure
to simulate how bees collect nectar.
Te environment cluster featured
a guide to natural disaster entitled,
Now I Know through an interactive
learning software. One of the
highlights of the cluster was a video
presentation on the Benham Rise,
which, unknown to many, is a
seismically active undersea region and
extinct volcanic ridge located in the
Philippine Sea. Another interesting
element of this booth is a scale model
of a forest showing the importance of
conservation. To demonstrate heavy
rainfall, students were enjoined to
spray the model with water while
the exhibitor explains the causes
of landslide and why some parts of
mountains are denuded.
Opposite the environment and the
agriculture cluster, the technology
cluster featured diferent agricultural
machineries, and a 3D virtual
rendering of UPLBs environment
using Open Wonderland (OWL).
Trough OWL, students were able
to navigate through some of UPLBs
buildings inside a virtual world. Among
the many interactive exhibits on
physics, math and science, there was an
interactive game where students tried
converting simple oil into biofuel.
Students also experienced how it is
like to be a broadcaster made possible
by the exhibit of the development
cluster. Students saw themselves in an
LCD monitor while doing an actual
reportage. Other interesting exhibits of
the cluster were information-oriented
booths featuring two consoles for polls
and survey says/family feud interactive
games spearheaded by the University
Pulse.
Masaya dito sa SyenSaya! students
gamely replied when asked about
their experiences at the interactive
booths. Other students who were not
interviewed gave very positive feedback
through sticky notes they posted in a
space provided in the exhibit area. Te
students have indeed enjoyed learning
SyenSaya Wonderama 2014 exhibits
get more interactve
PHOTO: LB PUA
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University of the Philippines Los Baos
Research, Development and Extension Digest
NEWS
science through these exhibits.
Tere were other agencies and
organizations which participated in
the exhibition and showcased their
technologies and products. Tese
included the Boy Scouts of the
Philippines (BSP), Laguna Water
District, International Rice Research
Institute (IRRI), Philippine Council
for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural
Resources Research and Development
(PCAARRD), Land Bank of the
Philippines, Technical Education
and Skill Development Authority-
Department of Science and Technology
(TESDA-DOST), and many more
others.
SyenSaya has once again provided a
venue for the students, professionals
and researchers to better appreciate
science and understand the role of
science through technologies that were
showcased.
SyenSaya is a yearly activity
spearheaded by the Los Baos Science
Community Foundation, Incorporated,
composed of 23 member agencies that
promote science to help the nation
meet global challenges. Te three-day
event was capped by a technology
forum and a recognition ceremony
for the winners of the LBSCFI annual
awards. (Lot B. Pua)
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ENVIRONMENT CLUSTER: Student sprays water to a scale model of a forest while Dr. Aresna B.
Palacpac of CFNR explains what causes soil erosion, landslide and other environmental devastation.
AGRICULTURAL CLUSTER: Students examine the different friendly insects which are being utilized in
applying integrated pest management which can help farmers reduce cost of production.
UPLB BEE PROGRAM: Students look closely on the native bees which are being mass produced by the
program while the exhibitor explains how to distinguish the queen bee from the rest of the colony.
TECHNOLOGY CLUSTER: Two students study
the model of agricultural machinery of CEAT.
Volume 6
January - September 2014 19
PHOTO NEWS
RECOGNIZING CONTRIBUTION. Dr. Reynaldo V. Ebora of BIOTECH
receives the Outstanding Science Administrator Award during the 2014
NSTW held at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City.
TECHNOLOGIES ON FIGHTING COCONUT SCALE INSECT (CSI).
Dr. Susan T. Bacud of College of Agriculture explains the protocol prior to
the treatment and the succeeding procedures to combat CSI.
DA-BAR EXHIBITION. UPLB participates in the 10
th
Agriculture and
Fisheries Technology Forum and Product Exhibition held on August 8-10,
2014 at the Mega Trade Hall 2, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City.
ISO/IEC ACCREDITATION. The Central Analytical Services Laboratory
(CASL) of BIOTECH, UPLB receives ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accreditation on
September 1, 2014.
MOU SIGNING. UPLB and Romblon State University (RSU) sign the
MOU for the establishment of institutional linkages on August 20, 2011 at
RSU. UPLB also presents a proposal on Romblon Butterfly Conservation.
IPB VAR 6 FLOUR. The Institute of Plant Breeding, Crop Science Cluster
(IPB-CSC), UPLB promotes IPB Var 6 flour as an ingredient for pandesal
making. IPB-CSC offers free pandesal (NutriPan) during special events.
20
University of the Philippines Los Baos
Research, Development and Extension Digest
managing editor/ layout
Lot B. Pua
writers/ photographers/ contributors
Lot B. Pua Regina Mae C. Ongkiko Maricris C. Cecilio
Ailene C. Florece Ruth M. Almario
Athena A. Custodio Liza Staphanie H. Dizon
Milagros M. Peralta Ma. Virginia B. Camarinta
production/ circulation
Renato E. Apolinario, Jr. Alex C. Genil Reynaldo T. Magsino
guest editor
Florante A. Cruz
adviser
Ma. Victoria O. Espaldon
The RDE Digest is published semi-annually by the Offce of the Vice-Chancellor for
Research and Extension (OVCRE), University of the Philippines Los Baos (UPLB). Contributions
related to research and extension from UPLB faculty and staff are welcome. Please send manuscripts
and digital photographs via email: ovcre@uplb.edu.ph. Comments on the published content can also be
sent through the same email address. Requests for use of content for publication should be addressed
to the Editors.
For inquiries, please contact us at: Information Management and Technology Utilization Section
OVCRE Building, Kanluran cor. Lanzones Roads, UPLB, College, Laguna 4031 Philippines
Tel. No. (63) 49 536-5326 , VOIP: 1520, Email: ovcre@uplb.edu.ph.
The RDE Digest
Official Research, Development and Extension Newsletter of
the University of the Philippines Los Baos
NEWS
Climate change has been a hot topic for
years now. Its impacts on civilizations
have been dramatic and vivid. As
generations come and go, more and
more factors contribute to climate
change. Now, human activity infuences
it as well. Its possible impact to society
is now a concern of our government,
specifcally the Department of Science
and Technology (DOST) and the
Climate Change Commission.
One of the initiatives of DOST is the
Balik Scientist Program (BSP), which
aims to attract foreign-based Filipino
researchers to return to our country
and share their expertise on topics
related to national development. Four
Balik-Scientists organized a workshop
sponsored by DOST and hosted by
UPLB. Te workshop then paved the
way for a team of experts from various
prestigious organizations to come
together to consolidate information
about climate change and its major
impacts.
Led by NASA Senior Scientist Josefno
C. Comiso, USDA/NIFA Program
Leader Catalino A. Blanche, Retired
Technology Development Leader of
Georgia Pacifc Terry I. Sangumba,
UPLB Professor Felino P. Lansigan,
and our very own Vice-Chancellor for
Research and Extension Ma. Victoria
O. Espaldon, and ten other authors
converged to assure that the message is
conveyed to the public.
From the ten authors, six were from
UPLB: Professor Nestor T. Baguinon,
Assistant Professor Jesusita O.
Coladilla, Lecturer Rafael D. Guerrero
III, College of Forestry and Natural
Resources Dean Juan M. Pulhin,
School of Environmental Science
and Management Dean Leonardo M.
Florece and our very own Chancellor
Rex Victor O. Cruz. Four high-profle
experts also joined the team. Tese
were Roger C. Birosel
+
, the Secretary-
General of Earth Savers Movement,
Rodel D. Lasco, Senior Scientist at
the World Agrofrestry Centre and
also Scientifc Director of Te OML
Center, Rosa T. Perez, Senior Research
Fellow at the Manila Observatory,
and Lourdes V. Tibig, an Independent
Climate Change Consultant and also
a member of the National Panel of
Technical Experts, Climate Change
Commission.
As a result, a book was published
through the University of the
Philippines Press. Changing
Philippine Climate: Impacts on
Agriculture and Natural Resources
contains comprehensive details
about the changes in climate and
the infuence on the countrys
environment, natural resources,
agriculture, ecosystem, biodiversity,
weather, and the quality of life of its
inhabitants. Aside from these, risk
management, resilience, and strategies
for mitigation and efective adaptation
especially in agriculture, forestry,
grassland, livestock, fsheries, and
health are also discussed.
Hopefully, this book will pave the way
towards more collaboration related to
battling the negative impacts of climate
change. (Regina Mae C. Ongkiko)
Book on Changing Philippine
Climate now available